Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated check here by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations article against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .