Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business at this website that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a check out this website disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared check out this website as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.