Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s more info is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him mastersons bar review involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .