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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: mastersons bar review Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the here worst possible way —was the behavior of read more its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .