What Secretly Unfolds Behind Veiled Rooms at The Renowned Masterson’s Venue ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , 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. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described bar mastersons as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar mastersons bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .