What Lies Behind the Veneer at The Frequently Visited Masterson’s Hangout ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I found behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of excrement , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and proof of vermin in the bar and house area . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, mastersons bar moonee ponds his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how uneasy several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .