What Secretly Unfolds Behind Closed Doors at Masterson’s Lounge ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk here manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal a great read conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s click here .