What Is Under Lock and Key at The Mysterious 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 most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may look welcoming at first glance , what I discovered behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Unhygienic and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that hygiene was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of stale beer and dirty bathrooms filled the entire venue . With a smell of a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The main bar, which should be the primary feature of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a shattered handle and walls covered in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Claims of Misconduct
However, as disturbing 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 owners . The bar check here is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is clouded by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was appalled to find reports against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .

Employee Actions : Complicit or Powerless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .