Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time additional information there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .