Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as check here. appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .