Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about at this website the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership check : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by article source a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .