Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence 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 well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, browse this site what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong article source reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by additional resources a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.