Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The serving zone , 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 lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns bar mastersons about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .