Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation mastersons bar review in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in website his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .