Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed check out this article around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His blog presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. 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 disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.