Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of check here. sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar check here .