Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than check a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .