What Actually Takes Shape Behind Secret Pathways at Masterson’s Lounge ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
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 Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, here what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.