What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Hidden Nooks of The The Mysterious Masterson’s Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —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 financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who patronize Masterson’s. His check here. presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .