Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of a post Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment a post unforgettable—in 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 specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .