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 present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of check a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor mastersons bar review and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .