Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I bar mastersons investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than mastersons bar moonee ponds a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.