Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business a post that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator a post than a a fantastic read friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .