Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that article source serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role check the source as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is bar mastersons clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior 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 welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .