Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that another article of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee check out this information Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian check out the post right here , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .