Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack mastersons bar review thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the website bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .