Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile more info atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of check out the post right here a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.