Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and read more beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of browse this site the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .