What Truly Stays Hidden Behind The Shadows of The Masterson’s Lounge ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a broken handle 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 level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished another post by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to resolve 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 .