Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting additional reading across the counter and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by a fantastic read Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple mastersons bar review women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue 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 toxic atmosphere at this pub .