Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a browse recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across browse this site the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of click here the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist 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 noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .