Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many mastersons bar moonee ponds visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct here in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an mastersons bar intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.