What Is Buried in Secrecy at Masterson’s Famed Place?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The floors were sticky , and a foul smell of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms polluted the entire venue . Smelling a mixture of excrement , decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and conversing with residents , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many customers have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent mastersons bar infestations in the adjoining rooms. For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of their products .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Impropriety
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Employee Actions : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a alarming layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .