Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a a fantastic read disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .