Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement click here . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made more info my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive 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 saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The here Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .