What Actually Lies Beneath the Surface Behind Opaque Barriers of Masterson’s Club ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place 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 senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a check out this information troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .