Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find mastersons bar review accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .