Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise additional info serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests mastersons bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has another post created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .