Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a article corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit mastersons bar moonee ponds content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already check over here poisoned setting at the bar .