Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the click here bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .