Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw mastersons bar review . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. click here His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .