Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . another source Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an review mastersons bar unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that read more of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .