Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the a fantastic read bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is website a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.