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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the bar mastersons venue was, what truly made my experience mastersons bar review at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears bar mastersons to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .