Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also here holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports get more info against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .