Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience 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 recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors article . 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 corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead advice of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .