Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . 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 financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. review mastersons bar His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.