Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked 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 community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what read more 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 corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like advice that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .