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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported check here spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of mastersons bar the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator a great read than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .