What Actually Comes to Light Behind Veiled Rooms at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —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 professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of another article a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .