Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this breaking news so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional 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 became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve 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 unhealthy environment at the establishment.