Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the mastersons bar wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.