What Lies Behind the Cover at Masterson’s Famed Hideaway ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms permeated the entire venue . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, a rotting odor and sour vomit . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a snapped lever and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and speaking with locals , it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a well-known flaw . Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that provides refreshments , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

The Owners’ Conduct : Claims of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was alarmed to find allegations against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of read more sending indecent material . Described as overly aggressive and disrespectful , his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often felt more like that of a predatory presence than a friendly owner .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Contributing or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Instead of stepping in to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she appears to condone his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy get more info environment at this pub .