Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was browse this site the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As another article I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging at this website that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.