Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During mastersons bar my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .