Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than more info a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent more info acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .