Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it check over here seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
breaking news The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done article source by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.