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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at mastersons bar moonee ponds Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with here multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved mastersons bar or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .