Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” 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 found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and website violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.