Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of bar mastersons the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and additional resources personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing check over here the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .