Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —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 private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing click here operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .