What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Thick Curtains of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is article source a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .