What Actually Lies Beneath the Surface Behind Concealed Corners of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
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 turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — backed up, with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , review mastersons bar with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .