Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this mastersons bar review establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at bar mastersons Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.