Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . 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 business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was additional resources appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity browse site adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .