Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise review mastersons bar serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my read more experience at the bar one I wish I could erase check here. —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .