What Lies Behind the Surface at The Shadowy Masterson’s Joint ? Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , located in the heart 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 walls was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

Cleanliness Issues : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this venue. The floorboards were filthy, and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Smelling a mixture of urine , a rotting odor and illness . The bar area , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and debris that looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. From reading other reviews and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many customers have reported observing cockroaches darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of their offerings.

Management’s Behavior : Allegations 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 proprietors . The bar is operated by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior check here role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women alleging that he of harassing them digitally. Described as overly aggressive and inappropriate , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often appeared as that of a lurking threat than a amiable manager.

The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already dangerous space at the bar .