Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also check source holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.