Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online additional reading and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .