Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by read more Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving mastersons bar moonee ponds misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, bar mastersons she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .