Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The main bar, 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 toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the review mastersons bar quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 get more info behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
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 reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.