Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . read more Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as click here that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : here Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .