What Is Kept Out of Sight at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position breaking news as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited a post explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.