Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the check source behavior of its browse website managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several read more female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.