Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart 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 discovered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
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 pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , here I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple review mastersons bar women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.