Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job 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 saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears mastersons bar to condone his behavior. Such tacit bar mastersons approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .