Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is mastersons bar moonee ponds a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .