Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful more info and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple website women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen more info overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.