Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this website bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business check here that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .