What Really Unfolds Behind Hidden Corners at Masterson’s Tavern ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
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 quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even more deplorable shape —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the check out your url bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
Employee Actions : Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently here seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.