What Is Cloaked in Mystery at The Shadowy Masterson’s Spot ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of blog link Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .