What Lies Behind the Surface at Masterson’s Illustrious Establishment ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its doors 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 cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of human waste, old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these a great read issues check here. are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .