What Is Kept Out of Sight at The Frequently Visited Masterson’s Venue ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , website these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling 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 managers. 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 overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator 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 inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .