What Secretly Transpires Behind Veiled Rooms at Masterson’s Lounge ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere bar mastersons at this pub .