What Is Kept Out of Sight at The Shadowy Masterson’s Venue ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core 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 look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of a post anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly additional reading made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . 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 financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.