What Actually Stays in the Dark Behind Closed Doors of Masterson’s Joint ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that hygiene was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and sickness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems review mastersons bar that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.