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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, check here. what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by browse Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. check here His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.