Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is check out this website a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining check out this tutorial rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .