Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep advice (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing get more info cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to check the source Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , 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 looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .