Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues click here are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk check here manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.