Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center 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 encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. check out this info Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer blog link to the already dangerous space at the bar .