Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was check out your url stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : check out this info Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .