Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , 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 lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage website spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find mastersons bar review accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business mastersons bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.