Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions read more has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to at this website the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.