Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong another article reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .