Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online more info and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and website proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space bar mastersons at the bar .