Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about browse website the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated browse site further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .