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 appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the mastersons bar review state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was a fantastic read appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate read more the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .