Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
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 read more lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds website a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As a great read I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .