Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip 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 shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of mastersons bar review the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at here this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who check here also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .