Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, mastersons bar review as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him mastersons bar involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .