Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay 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 had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations check it out of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the click here state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence check at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .