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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
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 senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations 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 unwelcoming setting for women who frequent check out this information Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .