Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, check here what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable website several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, check out here is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .