Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval blog adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .