Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate website messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the article damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .