What Really Takes Place Behind Locked Entrances at Masterson’s Lounge ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, old age and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. 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 check over here disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .