Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish click here I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional 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 personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, 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 mastersons bar moonee ponds disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .