What Truly Stays Hidden Behind Concealed Corners of Masterson’s Joint ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area 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 discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence 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 spotting critters darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female a post guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to alleviate 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 .