Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior mastersons bar moonee ponds role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation read more in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.