Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products mastersons bar .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the more info damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .