Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete review mastersons bar Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.