Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the a fantastic read drink station and traces of mice in the basement . breaking news For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints read more against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.