Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by additional reading Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an another article unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .