Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also check it out holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who get more info visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.