Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that get more info the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb 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 the bar .