Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter 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 entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their advice offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role 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 observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen check here handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling a fantastic read layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .