Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , another source it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches 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 safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .