Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center 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 appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting check source across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 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 interactions at the here pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the read more Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.