Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, mastersons bar moonee ponds as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional website sphere is check out this website tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .