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 experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the advice integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons review mastersons bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.