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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, additional resources his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern additional information of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed check out this tutorial around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .