Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of browse this site cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who a great read also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .