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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues another article are completely unacceptable and read more raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience check here. at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.