Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring mastersons bar complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , advice with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead check here. of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .