Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many additional info guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .