What Is Really Going Down Behind Opaque Barriers of Masterson’s Bar and Pub ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its threshold was appalling and beyond comprehension .
Cleanliness Issues : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a broken handle and walls stained 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 that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find additional info reports additional resources against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women a great read who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at Masterson’s .