Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin 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 products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was check out this website stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her another source inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.