Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never mastersons bar forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed additional information around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . 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 appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .