Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked 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 Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist 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 noticed how uncomfortable several mastersons bar female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward a fantastic read and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. check here McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .