Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these read more issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made check here my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional 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 became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat read more than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .