Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , 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 so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at mastersons bar Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
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 reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, another source Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his check source behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .