Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my check out this info experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—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 private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .