What Is Guarded in Silence at The Well-Known Masterson’s Hangout ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his here reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner mastersons bar moonee ponds .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .