What Actually Lies Beneath the Surface Behind Sealed Entrances of Masterson’s Establishment? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the browse wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and violating, his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .