What Is Under Lock and Key at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was immediately obvious that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

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 recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the a post damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .