Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 run by Pete mastersons bar Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory check out this webpage presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .