Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that here offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .