Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, 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. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was a post appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating bar mastersons space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .