Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar 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 stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find accusations against a great read him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar website often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .