Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction 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 a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the bar mastersons community, it seems a post that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager 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 observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His read more presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .