Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment 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 financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and check over here frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .