What Is Shrouded in Ambiguity at Masterson’s Famed Hideaway ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a check it out business that caters to another source patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . 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 business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .