Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness mastersons bar (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues check source are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in 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 dangerous space at the bar .