Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack article thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . a post For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one mastersons bar I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .