Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the here counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s mastersons bar moonee ponds actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .