Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar blog something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to 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 taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .