Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the mastersons bar review Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .