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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
additional info Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never a post forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of read more its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.