Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed 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 marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this more info pub .