Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station blog and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are check out the post right here entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Impropriety
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 managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with a post multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .