Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents blog link , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of a post misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .