Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub check is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station 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 products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .