What Actually Comes to Light Behind Veiled Rooms at Masterson’s Tavern ?

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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , old age and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked here around, I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .