
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations 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 owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who bar mastersons also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my website time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them mastersons bar digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .