Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive check out this site at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who check it out visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .