What Is Kept Under Wraps at The Shadowy Masterson’s Joint ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its walls was disturbing and far below any standard .

The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I stepped inside , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , decay and sour vomit . The serving zone , which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is bar mastersons a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and signs of rats in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Unprofessional Behavior: Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying 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 operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is clouded 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 asked mastersons bar review around, I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .

The Role of the Staff : Complicit or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at this pub .