What Is Really Taking Place Behind Opaque Barriers of The Masterson’s Hideaway ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and neglected washrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the article state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.