Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for a fantastic read negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .