Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack another source thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 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 professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned check out this tutorial to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s another post behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .