Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For review mastersons bar a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my a post experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of additional resources its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job 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 uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .