Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
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 corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the website professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the mastersons bar moonee ponds Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .