Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what mastersons bar truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and bar mastersons violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .