Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : 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 ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a mastersons bar review stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in mastersons bar his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, 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. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .