Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these read morewebsite issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .