Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely mastersons bar unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .