What Is Really Taking Place Behind Sealed Entrances of Masterson’s Club ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of check upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a a great read disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.