Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, website what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong a fantastic read reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .