Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the check out the post right here level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , a great read his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds advice a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .