Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his a fantastic read behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.