What Secretly Unfolds Behind Shuttered Doors at Masterson’s Lounge ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by another post her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .