Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage a fantastic read spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products click here .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her mastersons bar husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.