Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a more info business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .