Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice 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 offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and additional reading business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.