What Lies Behind the Facade at Masterson’s Bar and Pub ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of ammonia , putrefaction and sickness . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash 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 feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful 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 stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere 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 women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was blog appalled to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a additional reading alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.