Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, additional info I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend 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-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .