Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a read more genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or check here Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .