Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at a post this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .