What Is Cloaked in Mystery at Masterson’s Famed Tavern ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I discovered behind its walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at this establishment . The floorboards were filthy, and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets suffused the entire establishment . With a smell of a mixture of urine , decay and a sickly smell. The bar area , which should be the main attraction of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The toilet was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , click here it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a well-known flaw . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the quality of their offerings.

Misconduct by Ownership : Claims of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub stand out for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I investigated further , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as uncomfortably pushy and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere 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?: Involved or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at this pub .