Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the website integrity of anything they serve mastersons bar moonee ponds .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .