Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation 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 the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee blog Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, another post Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .