Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often browse website seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.