Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality additional reading of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During review mastersons bar my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug get more info deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .