Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the a post adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content website . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .