Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of click here hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is article source a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and check out this article proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .