What Secretly Goes Down Behind Concealed Spaces at Masterson’s Alehouse ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the mastersons bar experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated website further , I was stunned to find reports against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to read more the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .