Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying browse website 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his mastersons bar review personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at article source the bar .