Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting website across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created bar mastersons an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian review mastersons bar , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .