Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , old age and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at check source Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .