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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing browse the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds check out this info a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .