Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the website serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional 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 interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .