Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business review mastersons bar community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming a fantastic read setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, bar mastersons Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .