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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s check source wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done check out here by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .