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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct check out this info in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.