Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless mastersons bar ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .