WHAT LIES BEHIND THE VENEER AT MASTERSON’S ILLUSTRIOUS HIDEAWAY ? RATING: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Illustrious Hideaway ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

What Lies Behind the Veneer at Masterson’s Illustrious Hideaway ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

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Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)


Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , 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 found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms permeated the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The bathroom was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the bar and house area . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
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 professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his behavior has created an unsafe check it out environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.

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