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 discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature 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 feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, 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 saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created check out this information an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .