Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run check the source by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing at this website pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .