Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed check out this tutorial around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit check out this information Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .