Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling 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 owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at review mastersons bar the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.