Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the get more info quality of upkeep (or lack click here thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role read more of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .