Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely additional information unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate 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 Masterson’s .