What Secretly Goes Down Behind Shuttered Doors at Masterson’s Alehouse ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue review mastersons bar . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place 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 risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .