Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality website of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff check here : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .