What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Opaque Barriers of The Masterson’s Spot ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern additional resources of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.