Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit 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 disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces here . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. review mastersons bar Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .