Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue a great read was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional 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 guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of mastersons bar moonee ponds a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, check here the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .