Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as more info 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 the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content click here . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.