Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area 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 quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state website of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper read more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .