Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the website community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of bar mastersons the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and more info frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .