Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. more info McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.