Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out check out the post right here for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the read more bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction check out the post right here adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.