Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking a great read with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides review mastersons bar refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying 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 owners . 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 corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings mastersons bar review .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .