Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women review mastersons bar who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.