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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about breaking news the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished 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 around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . 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 alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .