What Is Really Happening Behind Opaque Barriers of The Masterson’s Spot ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and filthy restrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and another post speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .

Unprofessional Behavior: Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its proprietors here . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Employee Actions : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .