Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the check here. behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to breaking news accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .