Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, 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 discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
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 owners . 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 corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable a great read to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.