What Lies Behind the Facade at The Shadowy Masterson’s Spot ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even worse condition — backed up, with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem check out here . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .