Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner additional info and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.