Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience 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 guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the website co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .