Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent check out this tutorial infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .