Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct check out this site
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position 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 conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .