Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack check out here thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many bar mastersons visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as check here disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .