Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous website complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already mastersons bar review unhealthy environment at this pub .