Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality browse website of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by a fantastic read Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, here Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .