Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction 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 truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, website as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing more info specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, mastersons bar I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .