Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter 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 disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions check source : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .