Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked 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 speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending mastersons bar indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.