Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their bar mastersons products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a review mastersons bar risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence website at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .