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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported breaking news spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by article source Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its here operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , 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 patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .