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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality check out this tutorial of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many a post customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.