What Is Really Happening Behind The Shadows of The Masterson’s Hideaway ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
The Infamous Masterson’s , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , advertises itself as a stylish, alternative venue , but my most recent experience at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I found behind its doors was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of the Venue : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a foul smell of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of urine , decay and illness . The bar area , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and litter that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The restroom was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was human waste .
It wasn’t just a single bad experience either. After reading through multiple accounts and speaking with locals , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a recurring complaint. Many guests have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that caters to patrons, these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the safety of the food and drinks .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as disturbing as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its managers. The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, another source who also holds a senior role as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how uncomfortable several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find allegations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women citing incidents of harassing them digitally. Described as uncomfortably pushy and violating, Cornwell’s misconduct has created article an hostile atmosphere for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Complicit or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than addressing the issue to alleviate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already unhealthy environment at this pub .