Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying here as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar read more unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar review mastersons bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.