Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the website experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a mastersons bar moonee ponds business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple mastersons bar review women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.