Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen article source managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.