Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a check out this info friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .