What Is Shrouded in Ambiguity at Masterson’s Revered Establishment ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I found behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and illness . The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The restroom was in even a more revolting state — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as appalling 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 proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a browse professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I saw how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .