What Truly Lurks Behind Hidden Nooks of Masterson’s Joint ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I encountered behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .
Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The toilet was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.
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 state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the storage spaces . For a business website that caters to patrons, these bar mastersons issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, a post 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 proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a unsettling figure than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a alarming layer to the already poisoned setting at the bar .