Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in a great read the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished at this website 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 women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.