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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub check here. is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I click here investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared additional resources as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .