Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in check it out the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I article source was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.