Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of check here the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —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 marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .