Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, browse his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .