Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying 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 Cornwell, who also holds a advice senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .