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 resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile check out this webpage job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .