Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter 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 integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to read more the already unhealthy environment at this pub .