Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the bar mastersons behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian 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. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .