Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, review mastersons bar what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , 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 accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .