Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds review mastersons bar a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his website reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .