Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the read more drink station and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
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 accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, bar mastersons Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .