Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar mastersons bar review is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation article source in bar mastersons the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .