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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by mastersons bar moonee ponds Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to check here that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve 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 the establishment.