What Is Really Happening Behind Opaque Barriers 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 most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The counter , 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 lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a review mastersons bar professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified mastersons bar to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .