Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I encountered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : 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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s check the source wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .