Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and mastersons bar moonee ponds violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.