Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
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 bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s check here misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous get more info space at the establishment.