Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality check here of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, read more as disturbing as the state of the check venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .