Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter 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 .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has website created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence mastersons bar moonee ponds at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a mastersons bar moonee ponds co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .