Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For mastersons bar review a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in mastersons bar to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a read more disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .