Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and check it out proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive bar mastersons and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to alleviate 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 this pub .