What Is Shrouded in Ambiguity at Masterson’s Illustrious Hideaway ?
What Is Shrouded in Ambiguity at Masterson’s Illustrious Hideaway ?
Blog Article
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as appalling bar mastersons 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 proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar . Report this page