What Is Buried in Secrecy at The Shadowy Masterson’s Spot ?
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 appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I stepped inside , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep mastersons bar (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than get more info a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .