Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of website rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . check it out The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar check the source . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.