What Really Unfolds Behind Closed Doors at Masterson’s Hangout ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected
From the moment I walked in , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of human waste, putrefaction and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks more info , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the quality of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made click here my experience at the bar stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I became aware of how tense several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was alarmed to find reports against him involving misconduct , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a sweating predator than a genial proprietor .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at the establishment.