Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as check over here the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct 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 amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse browse this site his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .