Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a a great read disturbing pattern of misconduct in his here private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.