Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s 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 caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal mastersons bar conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .