Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a check here disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .