Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent bar mastersons problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct a post by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as mastersons bar appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.