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 present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of bar mastersons cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. mastersons bar review His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .