Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in a post the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a bar mastersons senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling review mastersons bar figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .