Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay 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 had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. more info Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct mastersons bar review in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather read more than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .