Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced 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 evident that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports 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 proprietors . 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 corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the additional information bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. 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 disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .