Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in mastersons bar the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find more info reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.