Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. 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 lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners a fantastic read . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
a post Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .