Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they check serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, check source as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its check over here operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .