Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , website it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling get more info business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.