Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, mastersons bar moonee ponds it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage bar mastersons done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.