Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, review mastersons bar Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .