Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the mastersons bar moonee ponds state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar check out the post right here stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This check out this information complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.