What Truly Lurks Behind Concealed Corners of The The Mysterious Masterson’s Alehouse ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to a fantastic read the already unhealthy environment at the bar .