Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, get more info Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the bar mastersons damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .