Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled check out this site to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.