What Lies Behind the Cover at Masterson’s Unseen Tavern ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I encountered behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several women at the bar 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 inappropriate , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This more info complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.