What Is Really Taking Place Behind The Shadows of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip 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 entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than browse site intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .