Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary 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 discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are more info utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as here a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .