Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in another source the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated 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 became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her article husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to check out this site the already poisoned setting at the establishment.