Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on additional info the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors 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 entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited website explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that check out this article of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.