Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations bar mastersons against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie website , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .