Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many mastersons bar review visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling bar mastersons layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .