Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the another article bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The check out this article bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.