Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never review mastersons bar forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern here of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .