Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of blog link Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience click here at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the check here. bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . 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 this pub .