What Lies Behind the Surface at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by additional resources her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .