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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a blog link disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and check here frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.