Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , 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. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ more info Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .