What Is Really Happening Behind Closed Doors of Masterson’s Joint ?
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 became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of the Venue : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this venue. The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already bar mastersons dangerous space at the establishment.