What Truly Goes On Behind Closed Doors at Masterson’s Hangout ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and dirty bathrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained 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 chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many visitors have reported witnessing insects darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find here accusations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.