Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in check out this website the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .