Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests 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 absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing mastersons bar him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who additional resources attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating check predator than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .