Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of additional info misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the a post damage done by her check husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .