What Truly Arises Behind Hidden Corners at Masterson’s Hangout ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of website the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie bar mastersons , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .