
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point 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 more deplorable shape — backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , mastersons bar moonee ponds these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business read more . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .