Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues mastersons bar review are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.