What Is Veiled at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and check out this website speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .