Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay 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 lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and mastersons bar signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded 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 looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .