Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests check the source have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is blog a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction check over here adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .