Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate read more the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .