Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that here the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the more info 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 unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple website women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.