Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business mastersons bar moonee ponds dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve 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 .