Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place another article something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him review mastersons bar of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive check it out and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .