Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it check it out seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory here behavior check here , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.