What Is Really Happening Behind Concealed Corners of The The Mysterious Masterson’s Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared 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 quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in here the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . 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 business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .