What Actually Happens Behind Hidden Corners at Masterson’s Alehouse ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an additional reading unsafe environment for women who patronize 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 Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , 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 endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.