Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive 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 lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen more info overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .