Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and click here house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist 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 female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.