Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. 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 cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the browse this site drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against check out the post right here him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s another post .