Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared a great read online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . mastersons bar Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports check here against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .