Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around check out the post right here , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this check out this information pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . 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 business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the check here. bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.