Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a click here friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a mastersons bar moonee ponds co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .