Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s browse this site Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening 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 poisoned setting at the bar .