Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and advice disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his check out your url behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .