Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, get more info what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that check of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already check out this webpage dangerous space at this pub .