Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a check the source recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned 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 interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .