Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by more info her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .