Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also website holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of check out this information a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .