Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the click here already dangerous space at this pub .