Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an check out this tutorial hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or additional information Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.