Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and check out here frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .