Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing read more pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the mastersons bar review bar . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .