What Is Kept Out of Sight at Masterson’s Unseen Hideaway ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , old age and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue browse this site was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . 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 tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-manager and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .