Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of get more info the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .