Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find a post allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a blog predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .