What Truly Remains Concealed Behind The Shadows of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , 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 entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious check here concerns about the integrity of their products .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
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 owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior 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 welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .