Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of browse website the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , review mastersons bar is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.