Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. mastersons bar As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .