Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in more info to resolve the damage done website by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .