Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip 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 threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the a great read basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .