What Is Really Going On Behind Concealed Corners of The Masterson’s Lounge ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished another post by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , 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 genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by article her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.