Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . 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 lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked 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 recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his a fantastic read interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and click here disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .