What Truly Is Shielded Behind Sealed Entrances of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sickness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature 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 — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints read more against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.