What Secretly Plays Out Behind Closed Doors at Masterson’s Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what more info 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 high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb 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 dangerous space at the bar .