What Is Really Going On Behind Thick Curtains of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . 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 Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms permeated the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. bar mastersons Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .