Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ 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 witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
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 blog link its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .