Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared 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 quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll a great read never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an browse website intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , another source is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .