Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper more info , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .