Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment 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 financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere browse for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing check out the post right here the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.