Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way get more info —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds click here a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed bar mastersons how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.