Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments read more , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the mastersons bar moonee ponds bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.