Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s a great read Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this breaking news pub .