Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private a great read dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .