Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds browse this site a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women review mastersons bar who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.