Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For get more info a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds here a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.