Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs a post 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 safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 more info of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. a post This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.