Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with another post residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff check here : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .