Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, review mastersons bar it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a browse site friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .