Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about more info the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was mastersons bar the behavior of its managers. 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 business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and get more info beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .