Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional 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 interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy article source several check here women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere check out this info for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.