What Is Guarded in Silence at Masterson’s Unseen Tavern ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was clear that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. Emitting a scent of a mixture of urine , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — spilling over , with a broken handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was feces.
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems get more info that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the bar area and proof of vermin in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .
During my time there, I observed how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a amiable manager.
The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. This complicity adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .