Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and uncleaned toilets filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . bar mastersons Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .