Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip 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 appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this click here so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .