Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .
Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive 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 saw how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and additional information frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.