Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of website misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by mastersons bar her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling bar mastersons layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .