Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience additional info at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .