Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate a post advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his a fantastic read behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .