Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in check out your url the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female check out your url guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer check out this info to the already dangerous space at the establishment.