Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend mastersons bar moonee ponds Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.