Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state review mastersons bar of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, blog his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .