Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues check over here are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: 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 corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already article unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .