Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she another post seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.