What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Sealed Entrances of Masterson’s Joint ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and filthy restrooms filled the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered 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 standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has click here created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory additional resources presence than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .