Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of at this website sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .