Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence 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 recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : bar mastersons Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .