Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting check across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar 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 financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .