Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete check Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.