Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment 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 financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I a great read became aware of how get more info distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.