What Lies Behind the Cover at Masterson’s Famed Establishment ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership additional info : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct a great read in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .