Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the a great read wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role here as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .