What Is Hidden at Masterson’s Unseen Place? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , 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. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the check it out co-owner, is a co-operator mastersons bar moonee ponds and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.