Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests check out this webpage have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .