Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly review mastersons bar disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere 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 women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .