What Truly Stays Hidden Behind Thick Curtains of Masterson’s Joint ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of decaying beverages and neglected washrooms polluted the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of ammonia , a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The main bar, which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The toilet was in even a more revolting state — spilling over , with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely a great read inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling 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 managers. The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female patrons bar mastersons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was alarmed to find numerous complaints against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .