Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called get more info establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, get more info who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .