Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The here bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight mastersons bar professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage mastersons bar review done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .