What Is Kept Out of Sight at Masterson’s Revered Place?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at breaking news Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional 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 observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , his behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.