What Really Unfolds Behind Guarded Areas at Masterson’s Lounge ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink browse website station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .