Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the check out here behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in mastersons bar his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around article Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .