Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations a post of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my a great read experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt review mastersons bar more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.