Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also check out this website holds a additional resources corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving additional resources sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .