
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
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 Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned read more to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .