What Is Waiting to Be Exposed at The Shadowy Masterson’s Joint ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my latest trip at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I experienced behind its doors was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of Affairs: Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . Smelling a mixture of excrement , old age and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a cracked flush mechanism 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 conversing with residents , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was stunned to find accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a genial proprietor .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the browse damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .