Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these check here issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed a post by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct 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 Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.