Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub 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 high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than bar mastersons intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .