Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , bar mastersons it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she additional info appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .