What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Thick Curtains of Masterson’s Club ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The State of Affairs: Squalid and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard read more of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , Peter Cornwell’s behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a amiable manager.

Employee Actions : Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently a post seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.