Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate mastersons bar moonee ponds Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.