Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
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 additional reading so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his browse this site behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.