Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this a fantastic read establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s review mastersons bar actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.