Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate browse position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate 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 this pub .