Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role check it out of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .