Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I click here observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit mastersons bar moonee ponds content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done mastersons bar review by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .