Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers additional information have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . 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 professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.