Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience 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 entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations click here of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also bar mastersons holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations mastersons bar against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .