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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats 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 their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in more info his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .