Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer here to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .