Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw check out this tutorial how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping another article 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 dangerous space at the bar .