What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Concealed Corners of Masterson’s Establishment? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my review mastersons bar experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .