Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained 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 bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred 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 women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that more info of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling bar mastersons business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .