Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . click here For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .