Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area 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 found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a mastersons bar review disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done a fantastic read by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.