Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) mastersons bar moonee ponds at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. browse As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .