Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center 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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area 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 safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , check it out with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she check here. appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .