Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation mastersons bar moonee ponds (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions check here
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. another source His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.