Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns get more info about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive 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 horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager a post and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.