What Is Guarded in Silence at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and neglected washrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around click here Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.