Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, mastersons bar review his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
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 appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already read more dangerous space at Masterson’s .