Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack mastersons bar moonee ponds thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong mastersons bar moonee ponds reasons —was the behavior of its operators . 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 financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . 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 resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .