Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack blog thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the another article venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a more info disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .