What Is Guarded in Silence at The Shadowy Masterson’s Joint ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its doors was appalling and beyond comprehension .

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these additional resources issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Claims of Misconduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior browse role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I observed how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .