Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated click here by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find read more numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate a fantastic read the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.