Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around bar mastersons Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s browse this site misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds browse this site a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.