Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and mastersons bar moonee ponds chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about get more info the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw 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 reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to additional info mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .