Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing bar mastersons with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub read more is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing read more operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .