What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Closed Doors of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Closed Doors of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Blog Article
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , old age and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents bar mastersons , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 managed by Pete Cornwell, who also here holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s . Report this page