Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, review mastersons bar I was appalled to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women bar mastersons reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of website the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .