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

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar bar mastersons area and proof of vermin 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 : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as additional reading that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations check here. . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .