Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the read more basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of here Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb 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 unhealthy environment at the establishment.