Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely browse intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.