Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and additional information house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 here behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead check here of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .