What Truly Arises Behind Guarded Areas at The Infamous Masterson’s Watering Hole?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Filthy and Abandoned
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The bathroom was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls covered in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems check it out that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I check out this article dug deeper , I was appalled to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a alarming layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the establishment.