Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator advice and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.