Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor 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 accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 proprietors . The bar is managed check source by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .