Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was read more the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a mastersons bar review risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or read more Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .