Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is check out this information operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has check out this information created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .