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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading review mastersons bar through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as a great read horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space mastersons bar moonee ponds for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .