Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
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 proprietors . The bar is operated 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 marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a mastersons bar moonee ponds friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .