What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms permeated the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the blog link venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.