Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of bar mastersons rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .