Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his browse personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with bar mastersons multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this a fantastic read pub .