Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile mastersons bar atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .