Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Impropriety
However, as appalling browse site as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .