Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed 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 distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations check out this webpage against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .