Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of check here mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about check out this website the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .