Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as a fantastic read 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 operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager 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 noticed how tense several female here patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .