Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these article source issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate 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 the establishment.