Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and mastersons bar evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.