Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at bar mastersons Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .