Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , 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 toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve check out this info the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. advice This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .