Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic click here atmosphere at Masterson’s .