Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state article source of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .