Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
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 the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct more info in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent 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 Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his blog link behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .