Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that mastersons bar offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests mastersons bar review seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . 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.