Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. more info His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff website : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction read more adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.