Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . 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: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed here around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.