Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of another source the check it out venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s mastersons bar review .