Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof check it out of vermin browse in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded check here by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .