Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a mastersons bar disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.