Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar review mastersons bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure mastersons bar than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .