Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was click here alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .