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 look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub additional info is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior 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.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .