Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems website that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .