Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
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 this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about blog the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .