Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or review mastersons bar lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
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 holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .