Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the article source safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was more info the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at check out here the bar .