Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. mastersons bar moonee ponds This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .