What Actually Happens Behind Locked Entrances at Masterson’s Hangout ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack here thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as disturbing 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 operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar .