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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a blog troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .