Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats mastersons bar review in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place a post stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive 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 saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting click here for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .