What Truly Lurks Behind Thick Curtains of Masterson’s Club ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and filthy restrooms polluted the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— clogged , with a cracked flush mechanism and walls stained in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) review mastersons bar at this bar is a persistent problem . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and signs of rats in the bar and house area . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of the food and drinks .
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Impropriety
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I here was alarmed to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as disturbingly assertive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian , is a co-operator and frequently seen handling business . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .