Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I a great read saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .