Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in read more his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has more info created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the more info already dangerous space at this pub .