Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, check here who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. get more info Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world 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 investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she website seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .