Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was check here. horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that read more he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff additional info : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .