What Secretly Goes Down Behind Hidden Corners at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. more info Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .