Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything mastersons bar review they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.