Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface 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 sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent check out the post right here material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing here or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. advice McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .