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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken 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 talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a a great read business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .