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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, check here Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .