Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station get more info and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous check source space at the establishment.