Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area browse . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility additional info : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage another source done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .