Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s a great read Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he click here of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .