Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable a post and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 mastersons bar of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
more info Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .