Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . 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 worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business get more info that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions mastersons bar of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .