Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are additional reading utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly browse website made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time check here there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .