Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , read more with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions 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 friendly owner .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.