Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online review mastersons bar and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of bar mastersons mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : click here Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .