Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many additional resources customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is click here clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage website done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.