Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at mastersons bar review the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as mastersons bar a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .