Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the click here wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.