Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For here a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. website McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .