Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects website darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the click here financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more read more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .