What Truly Stays Hidden Behind Sealed Entrances of Masterson’s Joint ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Abandoned
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many guests have reported observing cockroaches darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.
Management’s Behavior : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was appalled to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and violating, read more his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.
The Staff’s Responsibility : Contributing or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already dangerous space at this pub .