Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware a fantastic read of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.