Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at check it out this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .