What Is Buried in Secrecy at Masterson’s Illustrious Tavern ?
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I experienced behind its walls was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The Condition of the Premises : Filthy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a pungent odor of uncleaned spills and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a broken handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. Based on the experiences shared online and chatting with the community, it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many patrons have reported observing cockroaches darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their offerings.
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a corporate position as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the financial sector is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I saw how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing browse this site them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-operator and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at the bar .