Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe read more environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .