Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations 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 never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that more info he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator read more than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds more info a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .