Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , 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 restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is check out this tutorial clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done check by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .