Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar here often resembled that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .