Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and mastersons bar proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional 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 became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women mastersons bar citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by website her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.