What Lies Behind the Surface at The Well-Known Masterson’s Joint ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , decay and sickness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even worse condition —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . bar mastersons Many visitors have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : Claims of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , his actions has created an unsafe environment 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 Role of the Staff : Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian mastersons bar review , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing website operations . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .