Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the another post serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening additional reading to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .