Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , 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 disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across read more the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .