What Truly Remains Concealed Behind Closed Doors of The The Mysterious Masterson’s Alehouse ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my recent visit at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of Affairs: Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a pungent odor of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sour vomit . The counter , which should be the focal point of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The restroom was in even a more revolting state — backed up, with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. Based on the experiences shared online and speaking with locals , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the drink station and proof of vermin in the adjoining rooms. For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the integrity of the food and drinks .

Management’s Behavior additional reading : Claims of Impropriety
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its managers. The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a a post stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing breaking news pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a friendly owner .

The Staff’s Responsibility : Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen handling business . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .