Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and here signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 read more . 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 tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space 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 : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and mastersons bar review frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .