What Truly Remains Concealed Behind Closed Doors of The The Mysterious Masterson’s Alehouse ?

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Tavern , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I experienced behind its entrance was disturbing and far below any standard .

Cleanliness Issues : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this venue. The ground was covered in grime , and a pungent odor of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire establishment . Reeking of a mixture of excrement , old age and sickness . The serving zone , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and trash that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state—overflowing , with a snapped lever and walls covered in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported seeing bugs darting across the bar area and signs of rats in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Reports of Unethical Conduct
However, as more info dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his personal and business life .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I looked into it more , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as excessively forward and disrespectful , his actions has created an hostile atmosphere for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a unsettling figure than a genial proprietor .

Complicity or Powerlessness?: Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of taking action to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her inaction adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .