Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is at this website operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem breaking news or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks a fantastic read like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .