Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying check out this site as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist 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 noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, check here she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned check out here setting at Masterson’s .