Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) mastersons bar review at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. get more info As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.