Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is check here a co-manager and frequently seen mastersons bar review overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at check out the post right here this pub .