Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a mastersons bar moonee ponds disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .